Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex, and it refers to each of the seven energy centers of which our consciousness, our energy system, is composed of.  Chakras are moving, vibrating, pulsating wheels of light.  Each chakra has a different characteristic, function and colour.  The colours of the auric field come from the chakras, as each responds to the seven colours of the rainbow.

 

The main reason for working with the understanding of the chakra system and their effects is to bring a wholeness to ourselves.  Because the different aspects of ourselves (physical, material, sexual and spiritual) are working together we must be able to acknowledge, accept and intergrate all level of our being.  If a chakra is blocked, then it throws us all in a spin, (depression, stress, insomnia, back aches, head aches, amoungst others) as we are not balanced.   Our body is trying to tell us.  

 

Chakras are not little dots, they are 3 dimensional spheres that premete right through our bodies and out into our auras. 

 

Below I have explained the different chakras and their characteristics. Mind, Body, Spirit and what happens to the physical body if one is out of balance.

 

Crown Chakra - White or Indigo

 

Mind

 

When you reach the blissful place of inner peace of the crown chakra, the busy mind as we know it no longer exists.  You are connected to what is known as the "Universal Consciousness"

 

• Our sense of knowing, understanding, wisdom, awareness and 
  consciousness is  

                  regulated through this chakra.

• When this chakra is balance, power, truth, reality and pure bliss 
  is achieved.
• Everything apart from bliss takes us out of the mind and into the 
  lower chakras.
• The crown is not simply just about "being"  you must experience it to know it.

 

Body

 

This chakra works with the brain and it's ventricles, celebral and spinal fluid, eyes, pituitary, hypothalamus and thyroid glands.  This chakra differs from the other chakras.

 

• This center transcends the physical body and also controls the 
  energy bodies.
• Pure spirit flows through the energy body and animates the 
  physical body, giving  

                 it  life. 

• The energy needs to flow easily through the body, bringing peace, 
  good health and harmony to the entire system.

 

Spirit

 

The crown charka lies in the top of the head.  It is situated in the place where we call the "soft spot" on a babies head.  This is an understanding of where the soul enters the physical body at birth and departs at death.

 

• The crown is the home of pure spirit.
• It is our ultimate aim in life to achieve the feeling of total 
  bliss.  
• There is nothing in life that anyone wants or needs other than 
  the purpose to

                  make themsleves feel better.

• Everything in our lives even those horrific, tragic and nasty t
  hings can lead to

                  peace eventually.

• It is times that are bad that make us let go of the material 
  possessions, and look

                  within ourselves to find happiness and our true spirit.

• Illness, fear, pain, death of a loved one can all introduce us to 
  an inner peace that

                  we never knew we had before.

 

Ailments

 

Alienation - With life so busy (especially those people who live in cities) are alienated from nature.  We need the healing of natures rhythm to help us feel whole.

 

• Lack of spiritual direction - Again much of the way we live is to 
  alienate the

                   natural spirit within us, this can lead to spiritual crisis.  This is when you     know        there

                   must be more to life, but  not sure how to find it.  Nothing makes sense anymore. 

                   The questions you ask are is why... why can't I find happiness? why aren't I happy in my

                   life? why isn't my job satisfying?

• Disorders of the Nervous System - Paralysis, multiple sclerosis, 
  Alzheimer's

                   etc . These are governed by the crown chakra.  The pituitary gland (known as the

                   Master gland works closely with the nervous system by sending messages (through

                   the hormones) throughout the body triggering different areas of the nervous

                   system.  Working on the crown chakra can help to bring about healing and bring

                   balance back to the whole bodies chemical balance.

• Depression, manipulative thoughts and neurosis are all helped 
  through this chakra. It

                   is our disconnection or disassociation from this chakra that causes the disruption of 

                  these conditions. 

 

Brow - (3rd eye) - Purple

 

Mind

 

This chakra governs the intellect - the process of thinking.  Our aspirations are manifested from here.  When your mind is clear you will begin to see your future ahead of you.

 

• The "answers" you have been searching for in life begin to 
  emerge clearly when you

                  start meditating on the 3rd eye.

 

Body

 

The brow corresponds to the pineal gland, lower head and sinuses, mouth, teeth and jaw. 

 

•  The 3rd eye is a powerful psychic centre - not only can we 
  develop a greater

                    awareness of our own spiritual consciousness, some develop clairovoyant skills,

                    enabling them to offer psychic readings.  Psychic powers should NEVER be abused!

• Working on your 3rd eye balances right and left hemispheres of 
  your brain.

 

Spirit

 

The 3rd eye is situated slightly above and between the eyebrows

 

• The 3rd eye is the centre of divine wisdom and knowledge.
• It is the home of inner vision, from here you can visuailise and 
  create your own

                   reality.

• What you perceieve you can achieve.  So dream positive, loving 
  dreams.... aim high!

 

Ailments

 

• Physical Pain - Working on the brow can alleviate pain, as it is 
  linked to the

                   nerve system.  This will have a calming and regulating effect.  Deep relaxation of the

                   nerve system will help the muscles to relax.

• Migraine/ headaches - These are characterised by severe head 
  pain, usually on the

                   side.

• Mental exhaustion - Like all body parts, the brain becomes 
  tired,  if we decided to  

                   ignore the signs and  rest, our mind will become exhausted.  Confusion and anxiety

                   sometimes follows.

• Psychic overload - This is when there is alot of psychic 
  interference from ourselves

                   or others.  When should be able to tap into it when we like, not be powered by it!

             

 Throat - Blue

 

Mind

 

We have learnt that the everything in the Universe holds a vibration, including sound.  Therefore our words hold a vibration... Positive and Negative! Watch what you say!!! Our thoughts also hold a vibration.. watch what you think (if you find this difficult, try a meditation course)

 

• The Universe will respond to our words and thoughts, manifesting 
  what we

                   are saying/thinking. 

• People find it easy to think they will fail over being 
  successful.. then they wonder why

                   they fail!

• When you hold the thought your life will flow and be positive... 
  it will !

 

 

---

Body

 

Physically the throat corresponds to sounds.  Which is why music is such a beautiful powerful healer.  Sound vibration words and thoughts can resonate with every cell in your body creating love and harmony

 

• Mantras are a repetition of sacred sounds - that heal your mind, b
  ody and spirit!
• Saying beautiful words to people and yourself  - uplifts

 

Spirit

 

Our throat is a wonderful powerful center, it resonates to a very high frequency.  The primary function of this chakra is communication.  Firstly it is about communicating with your higher self.  The chakra holds the answers to many spiritual questions. 

 

• Through your throat center you can learn to accept your true 
  self.
• It is about communicating with others through words and 
  creativity
• Psychic ability and communication with other realms is powered by 
  this chakra.
• Opening and clearing your throat will help with your telepathy 
  (knowing who is

                   ringing the phone before you pick it up.  Thinking of a friend you haven't see for ages,

                   then bump into them that day !

 

Ailments

 

• Grief - Emptiness and pain resonates at the throat chakra Ve
  rbosity - Talking too

                   much wastes alot of energy and can prevent from just being! Talking fills empty

                   spaces, it changes the vibration.  Silence itself creates an energy of it's own. 

• Eating disorders - Anorexia, bulimia and constant dieting can 
  affect this chakra. 

                   The thyroid gland which is responsible for your metabolism is situated in the throat.

 

 

Heart - Green

 

 

Mind

 

Heart chakra energy is related to air.  Air creates change.  Your breath holds the secret of change. 

When we hold onto feelings of anger, fear, hatred, they literally stifle us. Tightening the diaphragm to induce shallow breathing is something we all learn at a very early age.  We hold our breath when we know we are about to burst into tears.  We do this to hold back the release of emotional chaos and pain.  Unfortunately continued contraction of the chest can cause physical pain, leading to many chest illnesses.  Allowing deep breaths into the chest, allows us to open up the chest, lungs heart and thymus (which is the home of your immunity) are all cleansed.  As the diapharam releases the heart chakra awakens bringing in love and compassion.

 

Moving consciousness into the heart chakra can help us change our lives by literally, "having a change of heart" Like the air, your thoughts are carried into the air, and will always come true!

 

• When we think we're going to be late - we are
• When we think we won't - we won't
• When you think you're not good enough - you won't be

 

Change

The only person that can make these changes in your mind and heart are YOU !

 

• When you know you can - you will
• When you know your are loved - you are
• When you know life is great - it is!

 

The heart center is the place all positive changes are made and transformed!!!

 

Body

 

The heart chakra powers the physical heart, lungs, respsiratory, diaphragm, breasts, immune system and is linked to your hands and arms ( which is why Reiki comes from the heart, down your arms and out your hands) Every breath your draw into your body holds chi or prana which is the energy of life and universal life force

 

• Touch is a beautiful quality that comes from the heart chakra.  
  The wanting to

                   touch comes from the heart, down the arms and to the hands.

• We touch with our hands but reach from the heart when someone 
  is in pain.
• Some people struggle with giving or receiving love.. or maybe 
  both! 
• When we truely open our heart chakra, we see people for their 
  true selves and

                   treat them with their divine essence, they deserve.

  

Spirit

 

The heart chakra is situated behind the physical heart.  This opens and closes depending on the situation you may be in. 

 

• The heart chakra is in  the middle of the 7 chakras.  It is seen 
  as the "bridge"

                   between the lower more personal chakras (Root, Sacral and Solar) and the higher

                   spiritual chakras(Throat, Brow (3rd eye) and Crown)

• The heart chakra is a place of balance and harmony.
• The heart charka is a pure and unconditional love.  This is a 
  love that asks for

                   nothing in return.  This is very different form being in a relationship, as this asks for

                   love back Sacral) or the love of a child - parent love, this still has conditions on it,

                   (Solar plexus)

 

Ailments

 

• Loneliness - The feeling of being alone in the world, where you 
  feel no-one can

                   understand you.  This happens to us all, at some point.  However it can lead to

                   isolation as we fear people will not want us around.

• Heart Attack - The heart NEVER attacks anyone - we constantly 
  affect the heart

                   by holding onto negative emotions, shallow breathing, eating foods that are

                   unhealthy to the body, jobs, stress.... amongst others.

• Pain - Many people hold onto a lifetime of drama and trauma 
  inside, yet they refuse

                   to acknowledge (and of course, heal) the pain is then just held inside.  Causing Dis-

                   ease

  

Solar Plexus - Yellow

 

Mind

 

Psychologically the solar plexus is responsible for digesting emotions.  The experience we encounter as we travel through life needs to be swallowed, digested and absorbed.  Any waste needs to eliminated.  We often choke on things or someone makes us feel sick or we can't stomach something that has happened to us.  These emotions can get into the soft tissues of the digestive organs and causes illness.  Stagnant emotions held in this area, can hold captive an abundance of powerful energy, which we must release in order to reach full potential.

 

• This is the force behind our will.  The will is the ability to 
  act consciously to

                   make decisions and following through.

• Solar plexus gives us clarity and direction, moving forward with 
  enthusiasm,

                   commitment and assertion. 

• Fire energy is directed through your eyes.  If someone is happy 
  or angry, you can

                   see it in the expression in their eyes.

 

Body

 

This chakra is found just below the sternum/breast bone, it is the radiant sun within your body.  When we stretch your arms and body in the morning you are releasing energy from the solar plexus.

 

• This chakra supplies the body with fuel. 
• Just as the sun provides the earth with solar energy, the solar 
  plexus provides the

                  body with energy.  Without the sun there would be no life on earth, your inner sun is

                  essential to your life.

• It provides us with warmth, enthusiasm, passion and inner power.
• Digestion is the main purpose of the solar plexus, the fiery 
  hydrochloric acid

                   transforms into life. 

              

Spirit

 

Spiritually the solar plexus holds an abundance of wealth.  This is the rich chakra when we learn how to really tap into it's energy.. This center fuels fun and laughter it can bring lightness to a seemingly heavy situation.  The masculine side of the solar energy is rage, anger and destructive fire energy.  The feminine is warmth, passion and joy.

 

• This chakra can present many different obstacles for us to 
  overcome.
• Pride and ego can cause us to abuse the power we tap into.
• We should always work on empower not dis-empower people.
• Failing to be grateful for all the things we have, can send a 
  message to the universe

                   that we are not ready to open to receive anything else, as we do not appreciate

                   what we already have!

• If we lack vision or clarity we stop ourselves from moving 
  forward.
• When the solar plexus energy flows it makes anything possible!!

 

Ailments

 

• Digestive problems  - Ailments such as heartburn and ulcers right 
  through to cancer

                   of the stomach or liver problems relate the solar plexus.

• Fevers - Fire energy of the solar plexus is used to help cleanse 
  the system.  Fever can

                   have a positive function as it heats the body killing germs.  Before all opathis (ie pills

                   etc) fever was seen as the body's way of cleansing itself.

• Skin rashes - This is the bodies was of ridding itself of  toxins 
  and bacteria.  Fire

                   energy propels toxins way from vital organs into the skin where there is the least

                   damage.  Rashes often signal the bodies need to detox and cleanse.

• Exhaustion - This is responsible for generating energy and 
  fuelling the entire body. 

                   It is therefore susceptible to excessive work and energy drain.  It is vital to know

                   that you must refuel the body by rest, diet, exercise and positive thinking.  If we do

                   not then it may lead to burnouts which can take a long time to recover from.  There must be a balance between what we put out and what we put in.

 

 

Sacral - Orange

 

Mind

 

"Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all"

 

• The sacral houses the very core you need to love.
• Self love must not be confused with selfishness, being self-
  centered or being totally

                   full of yourself.

• It is the very essence of who you are and love.
• Getting to know yourself, means taking time with yourself.
• When energy flows freely through the sacral you will find your 
  self esteem and

                   confidence.

• You will be able to make your own decisions, without being afraid 
  of what others

                   think.

• You will value your opinion and outcome for yourself and others.
• As this is the female chakra you will often find that many women 
  put others first and leave themselves last, in many situations.  If your have no respect for yourself and put others first then you are allowing others to disrespect you.
• Creativity also springs from this chakra
• To create is to bring something new into being - such as, this is 
  where babies are

                   grown and nurtured!

• To enable the sacral to be balanced, it is vital that you find 
  some way to be creative, e.g, painting, drawing, sewing, cooking and gardening, amongst others.

 

                   etc.

• As the center of emotion the sacral triggers the physical 
  expression of our feelings.
• We all need to be loved and cared for, held, nurtured.  This is our 
  basic nature.
• The genitals, womb, overies, testes, bladder and kidneys are all 
  water related body parts.  Each one is affected by your emotions.  When you are nervous, your belly 

                   goes queasy, your bladder fills and you need the toilet. 

 

Spirit

 

The spiritual quality associated with this chakra is to be centered.  Being centered, means to move from a place of harmony.  It is to act with grace and not anger, pain or any other emotions that dull your vision.

 

• When energy is allowed to flow freely to this chakra, then 
  intuition will be stepped up. 

                   There is a knowingness associated with this chakra.  Mothers often experience this

                   with their children. 

• Sometimes we pick up on messages from other people around us and 
  tune into

                   messages that have deep meaning and seem to come from nowhere.

• When in balance this chakra makes us better people, we are 
  friendlier, more in

                   tune with ourselves and the Universe. 

• A lot of change that takes place at this chakra is personal 
  development

                   not necessarily spiritual development.

 

Ailment

 

• Kidney problems - the kidneys are affected by stress, many of us 
  do not drink enough and this puts additional pressure on them.
• Fibroids - are benign growths of the uterine muscle.  This manly 
  occurs in women.
• Sexual abuse - when this happens to someone, this can close down 
  the sacral

                   chakra.  Hurt, shame, betrayal and anger can set up residence.

• Lower self-esteem - Not feeling good enough or able enough, 
  affects a lot

                  of people, feeling anxious and afraid of what other people think can be paralysing.

       

Root - Red

 

Mind

 

Positive - balanced/spin in perfect harmony

 

• A square is representational of the root chakra and represents 
  strong foundations

                   and solidity. Four corners represents north, south, east and west.  Can move easily in any direction.

• Working with the root chakra, you will find your "life purpose" 
  what your good at,

                   what can excel in and your unique gifts.

 

Negative - unbalanced/blocked

 

• Through the root chakra we experience fear.  The paralysing 
  emotions that hold us back, the emotions behind the words, "I can't, it's too late, I won't be able to".... etc
• Body image, you may feel uncomfortable or really dislike your 
  body, "I have wobbly bits, I don't like my bum, nose, toes"..... anything that you physically scare yourself  for.
• Our natural instinct is to find, stability and security, food, 
  shelter and warmth. 

                   This translates into love, sustenance, home, work and money. If we don't have

                   them, we reach for false attachments that we think will make us feel safe or numb, so we no longer care.

• Addictive behaviour eg, smoking, drinking, drugs, sex etc.  

 

Body

 

Foundation on which all other chakras sit.

 

• Located between the anus and preineal floor.
• Earth energy is focused into the chakra
• Manifestation and bringing things into being i.e everyone is born 
  from their mothers root chakra.
• Relates to your physical body and relationships.
• If you find yourself starting a project and not finishing, energy is not freely flowing

                  through you root chakra.

• Acknowledge all the needs of your body and take good care of it, h
  elps maintain the root.
• Eating healthy foods and drink, sufficient sleep, healthy sexual 
  activity and exercise.
• Physically, it relates to the denser parts of the body, such as, 
  bone, spine, legs,

                   knees, red blood cells and large intestine.   Aliments can occur in these parts of the

                   body.

 

A healthy and balanced relationship with your root chakra improves the health of your whole body.

 

 

Spirit

 

• Grounding, this means that you are easily able to move in any 
  direction.
• Walk in harmony
• Independancy
• Not afraid to stand up to people.

 

Ailments

 

• Constipation - Holding on. This can be physical or emotional 
  level. We often

                   hold ourselves back not allowing our own progress.  This is a form of constipation.

• Depression - feeling down.  When energy is low the body literally 
  becomes

                   depressed.  Shoulders and head drop, the digestive system slows down and life

                   doesn't feel like it's worth living.

• Lower back pain - What burden is it your carrying that is 
  actually causing you pain?
• Overworking, tiredness and stress - corresponds with the ad
  renals, they initiate the fight or flight response in the body.